Challenge and Growth in Denmark Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were all very interesting and varied in how challenging they were. All of my courses had a lot of assignments, making them intense in that I always had homework. However, for the most part, the assignments themselves weren't necessarily incredibly intellectually intense. All of the course had a high level of rigor in their "learning outside the classroom" academics, which I found to be uniquely stimulating and beneficial.

On-site administration of your program

I found the administration to always be helpful and prompt in responding to emails with questions or concerns. They were never short in making sure students were well-informed and had the resources they needed.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing (the Green LLC) was in the city center in a very lovely, very old building. All of my roommates were wonderful and the location was great. I had very few negative experiences with my housing.

I cooked for myself, so my food was catered to my tastes. And I was able to budget my food stipend to last me the entire semester.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because DIS is a program with all American students, individuals have to make more of an effort to get to know locals and become integrated with the local culture. I personally wish I had done more to become involved, however, there are more than enough opportunities set up within DIS (ie. visiting families) and within the city (ie. volunteer at non-profit cafes). Also, being taught by Danish faculty and taking a Danish course really enhances the cultural immersion experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I contracted an infection while in Denmark that required me to have several surgeries and overnight hospital visits. What would have cost me thousands of dollars in the US, I got for completely free. All of my doctor's at the hospital and in my personal neighborhood doctor were really nice and accommodating. The only thing I ever had difficulty with was trying to make appointments with my neighborhood doctor, both due to lack of availability and difficulty getting through their line. But I was able to go to their drop-in hours whenever I needed and be seen.

I never felt unsafe in Copenhagen. There was an incident of attempted brea-in my LLC and the neighboring DRC. But DIS security prevented any damage from occurring, and they increased their security afterward.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Copenhagen is a very expensive city, but if you limit and budget the amount you go out to bars or to dinner, etc, it can be affordable.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were always encouraged to use the language outside of the class, but our instructors knew it wasn't necessary as everyone speaks English. And Danes usually prefer to speak English with non-native Danish speakers.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Americans

• "Real-world" learning
• Study tours
• Danish networking opportunities

• More information available about each core course
• More options for Social justice/PoliSci cores
• More networking opportunities with the local universities

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer